Osséja is a commune of the Pyrénées-Orientales, in the Occitanie region, 45 km south-east of Ax-les-Thermes.
Bordering Spain, close to the Principality of Andorra, the territory of the vast locality of 17 km ² oscillates from 1187 to 2192 m of altitude, in the heart of the natural region of Cerdagne, a valley formerly occupied by a glacial lake, at the foot of the Puigmal massif.
Enjoying a pleasant climate despite the altitude, largely wooded, included in the Regional Natural Park of the Catalan Pyrenees, the town labeled Station Verte now has more than 1300 inhabitants. Pastoral agriculture, the establishment of mills and quarries have always contributed to its prosperity, which long earned him coveted or looted by brigands or soldiers acting especially for the Earl of Foix.
Served by the train from 1911, the locality becomes a center of stay and rest known for patients suffering from respiratory disorders after the First World War.
Osséja has retained this reputation as a summer and winter holiday resort for the quality of its environment and its "nature" recreation. A stage of choice near other resorts like Font-Romeu.
The Saint-Pierre church is the jewel of the communal heritage. A first place of Catholic worship was mentioned as early as the 10th century. A Romanesque church was then erected in the 12th century and remodeled in the 14th century. Becoming too small, the church was rebuilt in 1894. But the apse has been preserved, and it is listed in the inventory of historical monuments since 1964. More precisely, we will appreciate the charm of the 1219 and a chapel dedicated to Saint Lucia which dates from the enlargement operated in the 14th century. It should be noted, however, that several quality works are preserved, such as a 1699 altarpiece by Joseph Sunyer, a Baroque Christ from 1733 and the altarpiece from the high altar (1774).
Still in terms of heritage, in the village itself, characteristic elements of mountain peasant architecture remain as homes with high windows and thick walls covered with plaster, roofs covered with slates, and even gates surmounted by lintels in granite.
It is, however, its environmental heritage and its landscapes that are the wealth of the town.
Such as its communal forest that spreads on the flanks of the massif until 2000 m of altitude. The forest road that runs through it leads to "504", just on the border with Spain, from where you can enjoy a remarkable panorama of southern Catalonia and the surrounding mountains.
More than 40 km of hiking trails have been designed, always in the forest, that can be taken on foot, by mountain bike and even snowshoes when the snow covers the place in winter.
Other routes leave the village and offer less marked routes in terms of relief. Maps and documentation at +33 4 68 51 52 53.
The hikers of passage have the faculty also to join the exits of the local club: to contact +33 4 68 04 66 13.
To the south-west of the village, the banks of Riu Llavanera stream are also suitable for walking (be careful, however, its torrential course during a storm, especially).
Nearby, Lake Osséja vast of almost a hectare is very pleasant in summer. A leisure center welcomes vacationers and visitors from June 15 to September 15.
Games for children, a mini-golf, a climbing wall are available, not to mention picnic areas and sites for relaxation.
Paddle boats can be rented. Information on +33 4 68 04 53 40.
For the sportsmen, still, a club of ball-trap (contact to the +33 4 68 04 59 32), a bowling alley, a skate-park and tennis courts (reservation with +33 4 68 04 53 40) are at disposal in the village. For outings in kayak, finally contact the +33 6 50 09 42 67.
As for fishing enthusiasts, rivers are legion where they have leisure to practice their favorite activity. Inquire at the local association at +33 4 68 04 98 01 or +33 6 41 23 31 25.
In terms of culture, the town has a library where regular activities are organized (workshops, exhibitions). Information on +33 4 68 04 22 63. Finally, the local cinema (a rare equipment in a village) regularly hosts special evenings (screening in the presence of a director, film club...). Information on +33 4 68 04 93 00.
